Elected to the First Nations Forestry Council in 2008 by the BC Assembly of First Nations, Ta-lall-SHAM-cane siyam Bill Williams, served as an elected member of the Squamish First Nation Council since 1980, and as a member of the community’s Hereditary Council since 1995. Chief Williams has played a leadership role among First Nations by successfully blending business and conservation efforts.

Notably, Chief Williams is the current President of the North West Forest Company which holds the Timber Forest License for the Squamish Nation.  In this capacity, Chief Williams successfully negotiated Squamish control of 80% of the allowable cut in Squamish Territory. He is also currently negotiating for Squamish management of sixteen area parks and has been instrumental in the development of a land use plan for the entire Squamish territory. On a regional level, Chief Williams serves as the appointed President of the British Columbia First Nations Forestry Council, and was awarded the 2005 Eugene Rogers Award for Leading Conservation Efforts by Western Canada Wilderness Committee.

Appointed by the First Nations Summit, Harley Chingee is the current Chief of the McLeod Lake Indian Band with over 20 years experience in First Nation administration and business management. Currently working as a resource consultant, Mr. Chingee, brings a wealth of forest sector policy experience to the First Nations Forestry Council.

Harley Chingee is currently a national board member of the Lands Advisory Board, and former member of the First Citizens Fund board of directors who believes in a "business first” approach to forestry.

In the 80’s, working as a logging contractor, he was instrumental in the creation of Duz Cho Logging Ltd. Owned by the McLeod Lake Indian Band, the company utilized profits to support legal action defending their rights in their territory.

As a negotiator, Mr. Chingee has experience working with all levels of government, and has concluded several public/private resource development partnerships between First Nations, government and industry groups. Mr. Chingee is committed to increasing First Nations access to, and involvement in, the forest sector.

Appointed by the Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs, Michael Kelly is a member and former councillor of Leq’a:mel First Nation. Michael retired early, after 35 years, working with the Provincial Government in the BC Ministry of Highways.

Kelly has worked extensively in the Engineering Technical and Inspection component of highway construction, and after leaving the BC Ministry of Highways in 2002, he worked as a machine operator in the public works section at the University Endowment Lands until 2009.

Currently, Kelly is a member of the Strategic Engagement Agreement board, and a representative of the Sto:lo Xwexwilmexw Treaty Association for Leq’a:el First Nation.  

Kelly also works with the S.X.T.A. Governance working group and manages the Fisheries portfolio for Leq’a:mel First Nation. With the changing landscape of the BC Forest industry and its relationship with First Nations, Kelly is committed to working with all groups involved diligently for positive progress.